Whoever said you can't teach an old dogs new tricks was wrong! With these simple tips for dog door training your furry pal will get the hang of it in no time.

It's no secret dog owners consider these pets part of their family, so they're willing to go to great lengths to keep them happy and healthy.

Some dog owners even love to teach them tricks. If you're looking for a new trick besides "sit" or "paw," then it's time you learn to teach them how to use the dog door.

Read on for some dog door training tips.

1. Set Aside a Time of Day

In order to properly train your dog to use the door, you must set aside a time of day with no distractions.

Dogs are creatures of habit, so they will expect you to train them at the same time every day.

If you have time early in the morning, do it then when your dog is the most alert. Ensure there are no other distractions around you. If you have children make sure they're in the other room or at school so they don't distract the dogs.

Dogs can also have a short attention span so make sure you limit their training sessions to only a few minutes a day. Otherwise, the dog might become frustrated and not find it pleasant.

Try it a couple times a day as long as it's at the same time every day.

2. Which Direction Will Your Dog Use It the Most

If your dog is a couch potato, he might love to come back inside after he spends time going on a walk or going to the bathroom.

On the other hand, if you have an active dog, they might love to spend time outside.

Your dog's personality will help determine which side should you art with next. Start placing your dog on the outside if he loves to be inside and the opposite if he loves to be outside.

3. Choose the Right Treats

You want to use treats to encourage and reward your dog for using its doggy door. Make sure you pick the right treats so it makes a difference.

For one, you might want to use treats that have a strong smell so you get their attention. It also works if you have their favorite treats as long as they have a strong scent.

Put the treats in your hand and make a tight fist to ensure the dog knows they're in your hand.

4. Stand on Opposite Sites of the Door

You should start out with this method at first. Make sure your dog sees you leave and knows you're on the other side of the door.

You should have your dogs attention during this first attempt.

Let The Dog See You Exit

Step outside and maybe even wave goodbye to your dog. The dog will most likely want to follow you to the other side.

Lift the Flap

Make sure you disable the chip of your dog door during training if yours has one of these.

To get started, lift the flat all the way up, ensuring that you don't hit the dog on the head with the flap. If you do, it might make your dog scared of the door and not want to go near it.

Call Your Dogs Name

Now it's time to call your dog from the other side of the door. Make sure you save all of your enthusiasm for this moment.

Give them a Reward

You need to make sure you reward your dog throughout the process to ensure he stays interested.

Reward the dog with a treat or attention if he makes it halfway through the door. This might encourage your dog to keep going further and make it through the door.

Switch to the Other Side

If you started outside the house, it's time you switch places with your dog and move inside the house and the dog outside.

This will help you decide which side your dog would rather be in. Does he rather go outside to play or come inside to be a couch potato?

Lower the Flap More

After you practice all the switching around, it's time you start lowering the flap even more. It will encourage the dog to try and push the flap by themselves to get to the other side.

If your dog is shy or gets scared easily this might take a bit more time to master. So you will have to use more rewards than ever during this process.

5. Push The Dog Through the Door

If you want to try a different method, you can always start by pushing your dog through the door. It might sound like a drastic method but it works on some dogs.

Will Your Dog Be Okay With This

It's no secret no two dogs are alike. Each one has its own personality and traits, so if your dog has a shy or nervous personality, this method might not work.

An anxious dog might grow fearful of the door and never near it again.

Pick Up Your Dog

Without doing this abruptly, gently pick up your dog. Use a soothing and encouraging voice while you pick up your pup.

Praise Your Dog While You Do it

Put your dog through the door slowly while you continue to praise him. If your dog gets anxious, stop and start over. Keep repeating until you master it.

6. Ensure It's Safe on the Other Side

The work doesn't stop once your dog learns to go through the gate. You have to make sure it's safe for your dog on the other side.

You should make sure no other intruders come in the house, so it's important to have a way of locking the door when not using it.

Also, make sure there are no holes in the fence for your dog to get out.

Dog Door Training: The Bottom Line

We hope these dog door training tips are helpful and your dog starts using the door on its own in no time. Remember to be patient and use the technique that best fits your dog's personality.

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